Lakeland, FL|News|
How Queen Elizabeth's Gift Turned Lakeland Into Swan City
In 1954, Lakeland had its swan song with the death of the city's last swan. But a royal gift restored the city's iconic bird population.

Originally from St. Louis, D'Ann Lawrence White graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She has worked as an editor, columnist, breaking news reporter, feature writer and investigative reporter for more than 20 years. You can reach her at dann.white@patch.com.
In 1954, Lakeland had its swan song with the death of the city's last swan. But a royal gift restored the city's iconic bird population.

"She is fearless, sharp, and an honor roll student. She excels in everything she does," said Abigail's mother, Rowena Young-Gopie.
The FL Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit protesting the state's 15-week abortion ban. A church responds as the issue divides communities.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was called in to battle a fire at a storage facility in Tampa where people may have been living.
Crashes in Lakeland, Frostproof and Winter Haven on Saturday killed three men.
The baby was wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached. Medics estimate she'd been born about an hour before she was found.
Here's the scoop on parking, wet zones and prohibited items at Saturday's festivities.
Send us your photos of sunsets, romps at the beach or children at the playground. You might have your photo published on Patch.
Piano students can get into the spirit of Gasparilla with "Pirate Tales," compositions by 40-year music educator Larisa Suknov.
Firefighters were called to the 1700 block of West Main Street around 11:30 p.m. Thursday and found heavy smoke and flames.
Hillsborough County’s Rapid Response team is offering curbside pickup in the Woodbridge area for large items.
Topping FL news, students sue Gov. DeSantis for pulling Black history class as DeSantis proposes legislation to increase teacher salaries.
Plant City police said the man was trying to cross between West Baker Street and Thonotosassa Road where there is no crosswalk.
A Tampa couple faces up to 100 years each in federal prison after pleading guilty to committing a series of armed robberies.
PETA criticized a Palm Harbor primate rescue as a "shoddy facility" that exploits wild animals. The USDA cited the facility for violations.
There are five state programs available to expand business development and spur Florida’s economic growth.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has noted an increase in phone scams and is warning the public of signs to watch for criminals.
Pinellas County sheriff's detectives have arrested a 37-year-old Plant City man following a lengthy fraud investigation.
Work continues on the Treasure Island Causeway Bascule Bridge to correct errors with the programmable logic controllers and wiring.
Job seekers can talk to hiring managers about current and future positions, internships and volunteer opportunities.